- 9th NADPA AGM to be held in Kenya after winning hosting bid in 2023
- Regional data governance and AI revolution to highlight #NADPAConference24
- Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait urges media to participate at the 2024 NADPA conference
The Office of The Data Protection Commissioner, and the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, will host more than 20 African data authorities in a conference slated for May 7th to May 9th, 2024.
The Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) will be hosting its ninth Annual General Meeting (AGM) along with a conference on data protection at the Windsor Golf Hotel where more than 500 delegates are confirmed to attend.
The theme for the 2024 NADPA- RAPDP conference is "Promoting regional data governance for Digital transformation".
In a briefing with the press on Monday, MoIC & DE Principal Secretary Eng John Tanui emphasised that the meeting will be pivotal for knowledge exchange and sharing of experiences among African data protection authorities.
"It is barely a week since we hosted the Connected Summit and we are glad to host another global conference, the 9th AGM in Kenya presents a unique opportunity to showcase Kenya's unwavering dedication to data protection and its position as a Silicon Savannah.
"Participants can look forward to delving into the nuances of data protection trends across various African countries, gaining insights into best practices, and fostering partnerships to advance data protection initiatives on the continent,” read the PS's statement delivered by Secretary, ICT - Security and Audit Control Emmanuel Kimeu.
Kenya's Data Protection Commissioner shares key milestones in 2024
Kenya's Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait emphasised the role of media in helping to educate and engage the general public on data protection within the country and in territories abroad.
“We extend a cordial invitation for you to attend the NADPA Conference encouraging your active participation especially during the plenary sessions. Your ability to effectively disseminate information and educate the public on data protection issues makes their participation essential in advancing the cause of data privacy,” she said.
She also highlighted key milestones crossed by her office since it was operationalised in 2020.
The ODPC registered 5,195 data-handling entities licensed to operate in Kenya and received a total of 5,315 complaints since the enactment of the Data Protection Act in 2019.
So far, the Office has issued 106 determinations on the complaints received as well as 60 enforcement notices and nine penalties.
READ: ODPC unveils AI tool to engage Kenyans on data privacy & rights
Commissioner Kassait, representing Kenya, also serves as the First Vice-President of the NADPA- RADPD Council after being elected to the post at the 8th AGM, effective August 2023.
Niger holds the Presidency while Angola holds the position of 2nd Vice-President
NADPA was established in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in September 2016 and serves as a unifying platform for African privacy and data protection authorities from different regions.
The organisation aims to facilitate exchanges and cooperation among its members while amplifying Africa's voice in global data protection discussions.